A diet that is healthy and well balanced will help support the functioning of our organs and metabolic processes that occur in the body, but also help nourish our skin inside and out.

Where specific skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, fungal skin rashes are concerned, I always aim to look at the root cause of the problem. Imbalances in hormones, immunity, digestion or inflammation often contribute to such skin concerns. The skin’s natural demand for nutrients is also increased when put under stress (for example: excessive inflammation of the skin requires further nutrients such as folic acid and protein).

Topical treatment is often not enough but targeted and individual support in your skincare routine, nutrition and overall wellbeing is required.

When necessary, I recommend supplements that can either help support your skin and body’s defence mechanisms, speed up the healing process or help promote a glowing and youthful appearance

How can nutrition help ?

Support a poorly functioning digestion

Support collagen production

Identify allergies, intolerances and deficiencies

Prevent and slow down skin damage, leading to ageing

Support imbalances in hormones

Reduce the presence of underlying inflammation

Speed the healing process (for example :cold sores can be prevented and healed with a particular amino acid(building block of protein))

How can nutritional deficiencies affect the skin?

Lack of antioxidants (A, C, E) can affect the skin’s protection against the damaging UV rays.

Vitamin A deficiency can result in a disorder of the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle (aka hyperkeratinisation).This is turn can result in a reduction in sebaceous glands and also block our sweat glands. Long term deficiency in vitamin A also results in dry skin, fragile hair and hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis (redness and fissures near the angles of the mouth) and hair changes .Deficiency in Vitamin B12, is often due to abnormal absorption.

Lacking essential fatty acids has shown to affect the skin’s permeability which in turn can lack moisture.

Kwashiokor is a form of malnutrition due to the lack of protein in the diet, causing swelling under the skin. Malnutrition is the primary causative factor, with others including deficiencies in zinc, essential fatty acids and alfatoxins (fungal toxins affecting certain types of crops).

Vitamin C deficiency also known as scurvy, is caused by the decreased production and increased fragility of collagen (collagen: protein that stops the ageing process). The skin can show early signs such as bruising, red or purple spots and thickening of the skin.

Deficiencies in zinc can cause poor wound healing, fragile or sparse hair, cause dermatitis (skin inflammation) to weep or even lead to secondary infections.

Get in touch to

Manage specific conditions

Simply promote a youthful glowing skin

Skin that is more resistant to signs of aging

On the 16th and 30th of September 2015 we will be offering a Skin Analysis Consultation for members of the Royal Automobile Club, followed by a 15 minute chat with me